The California Chess Reporter - Volume 7 is a treasure trove for chess historians and collectors, offering a comprehensive and detailed account of California's vibrant chess scene from 1967 to 1971. This esteemed publication has set the gold standard for California chess magazines, providing a wealth of information that is unparalleled in the world of chess. Within the pages of this exhaustive volume, you'll discover a trove of pertinent information, including who played in what tournament, club, or league, when and where it was played, and of course, the game scores.

This remarkable publication has been meticulously compiled to cater to the needs of chess historians, providing valuable insights into the development of chess in California during the late 1960s and early 1970s. The publication's scope is breathtaking, covering match results, club results, league results, tournament cross tables, and game scores from both Northern and Southern California. Whether you're a seasoned chess enthusiast or a newcomer to the world of chess, the California Chess Reporter - Volume 7 is an indispensable resource that will transport you back in time to an era of great change and innovation in California's chess landscape.

The late 1960s and early 1970s marked a significant turning point in California chess, as the focus shifted from playing for honor and glory to competing for substantial cash prizes. This transformation led to the emergence of class tournaments, where players would compete in Class A, Class B, or Class C sections for handsome rewards. This shift also led to the development of new, strong players, exemplified by the likes of Walter Shawn Browne and Julio Kaplan, both of whom arrived in California at the tender age of 17. Their meteoric rise to fame, coupled with the influx of new players from other parts of the country, contributed to a thrilling era of California chess.

The California Chess Reporter - Volume 7 is also notable for its extensive coverage of the Lone Pine tournament series, which debuted in 1971 and rapidly became the strongest Swiss System tournament in the world. The first winner of this prestigious tournament was none other than Larry Evans, who had moved to nearby Reno, Nevada. Furthermore, the publication features numerous articles and chess analysis written by Jude Acers, a renowned player who made a significant impact on the California chess scene.

Kerry Lawless, a dedicated chess enthusiast, has painstakingly compiled every game played in California, resulting in an unparalleled database of over 37,000 games. This remarkable achievement has culminated in the creation of the calgames.pgn database, which is an indispensable resource for chess historians and enthusiasts alike. Furthermore, Lawless has made tremendous efforts to compile all chess publications published in California, including the California Chess Reporter, which has resulted in the creation of a comprehensive and authoritative archive of California chess history.

This meticulously bound paperback reprint of the California Chess Reporter - Volume 7 is a testament to Kerry Lawless's unwavering dedication to preserving California's rich chess heritage. Whether you're a seasoned chess player, a chess historian, or simply a chess enthusiast, this publication is an absolute must-have, offering a unique window into the fascinating world of California chess during a pivotal era in its development.